What Are the Best Places in Patagonia for Seniors?

There are plenty of places perfect in Patagonia for senior travelers. Patagonia doesn’t discriminate in any way, and especially not with age. Instead, Patagonia welcomes all visitors (and animals!) to its one-of-a-kind terrain, full of open valleys, rare wildlife, and inviting trails. While, yes, certain places in Patagonia require long, physically demanding excursions to see the iconic sites, there are also plenty of Patagonia tour options that are less daunting for seniors and older travelers.

Here is our list of the best places in Patagonia for seniors.

#1. Ushuaia

Ushuaia is an excellent place for seniors, as it is one of the main spots where cruises embark on a Patagonia adventure. Travelers can stay in the charming town of Ushuaia for a day or two, and enjoy some of the city’s excursions. Explore the port and waterfront, museums, restaurants, and boutiques in town.

Then, set out on a Patagonia cruise. Exploration Patagonia cruises combine adventure with luxury and are perfect for older travelers looking to avoid the hassle of hiking and trekking to see sites. Aboard a Patagonia cruise, sail through ice fjords and discover the unique landscapes that Patagonia has to offer.

Australis Cruise Patagonia

One of our top picks for Patagonia cruises for seniors is the Australis cruise. This cruise line operates many Patagonia routes starting in Ushuaia. Aboard the Australis, guests have the flexibility to stay in the comfort of their private cabin, observe the views from the deck, or disembark for land excursions. Whether passengers choose to disembark or not, the vistas of the southern fjords and glossy glaciers will be available to all.

Australis cruises typically have passengers begin in Ushuaia and end in Punta Arenas Chile (with the option to do the reverse route). Though, Patagonia for older travelers does not necessarily need to finish in Punta Arenas Chile. From Punta Arenas, we encourage guests to continue their journey throughout Patagonia with a trip to Torres del Paine.

#2. Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine is a great place for seniors because they have plenty of hotel and lodging options. Patagonia lodges are ideal for senior travelers, due to their varied, hands-on guided hikes and tours.

At many lodges, local guides will get to know their visitors before taking them out on a specific excursion. This is valuable for older travelers who need the opportunity to explain their physical capabilities. Think of these as escorted tours of Patagonia. Wherever your comfort level lies, the experienced guides will be sure to meet those expectations.

Hotel Las Torres Patagonia

We advise our older clients to stay at Hotel Las Torres, where choosing your own adventure is encouraged! This cozy, 4-star hotel offers a long list of excursions for guests to participate in depending on their level of fitness. Activities vary from hiking and walking, to boat rides in front of massive glaciers, to scenic vehicle tours. That’s right! Vans are available for those who want to see the wild landscape of Torres del Paine without a strenuous hike.

Awasi Patagonia

Awasi is another lodge we encourage older travelers to consider when traveling to Patagonia. At Awasi, you can enjoy an isolated, private villa instead of a traditional hotel room. Each villa is assigned with a private guide, so travelers can explore Patagonia at their own pace. Though, with the inspiring views of the forest, Lake Sarmiento, the pampas, and Torres del Paine, it may be hard to leave.

#3. El Calafate

In addition to Torres del Paine, El Calafate is another ideal place for seniors to find superior Patagonia lodging. For example, the 5-star Eolo Lodge is the epitome of a luxury adventure. The hotel is conveniently located halfway between El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park. However, due to its privately owned land, Eolo remains far enough from the tourist-filled areas of Patagonia, which leaves older travelers with a tranquil environment to enjoy.

While here, travelers should speak with an experienced guide on-site about what excursions would be best suited for them. Choices of activities consist of horseback riding, mountain bike riding, trekking, bird watching, and stargazing. Ultimately, it’s up to the traveler to choose which excursions would be most enjoyable. This system is designed to accommodate anyone, as all tours and excursions can be completely customized depending on what the traveler’s needs.

#4. Bariloche & The Lake District

Bariloche and the Lake District of Argentina offer great Patagonia tours for seniors. San Carlos de Bariloche is located in the Lake District of Argentina, with the city surrounded by the striking Andes and sparkling high alpine lakes. There are a large variety of outdoor activities here, such as skiing, trekking, and bike riding. Though, if a relaxing walk is what your body desires, Bariloche is perfect for that as well. Choosing to go on a walk gives you the opportunity to stroll around this German-influenced, charming town and browse the nearby chocolate shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.

After exploring the town, travelers should embark on an Argentina to Chile lake crossing. This is a memorable circular trip, ideal for seniors looking to experience all of northern Argentina’s Lake District. On this route, travel along the Seven Lakes Route, cross the Andes towards Pucon, spot the Villarica Volcano, and of course, enjoy incredible vistas of the lakes of Argentina.

At SouthAmerica.travel, our Patagonia treks, trips, and tours are great South America vacations for seniors. All of our tour itineraries can be completely customized to fit any traveler’s style and needs. Guided treks can be cut short, without compromising the sightseeing, due to any person’s mobility. If you’re looking for more information on the best places in Patagonia for seniors, contact one of our expert Travel Consultants today!